Pyongyang, January 17 (KCNA) -- The youths in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea have displayed their dignity and honor under the deep care of the peerlessly great men.

They are now playing the pivotal role in developing the country, honored with such titles as the special detachment of the supreme commander of the Korean People's Army, a reliable companion of the Workers' Party of Korea and the most vital force of society.

Early in the 20th century, President Kim Il Sung organized the Young Communist League of Korea.

On January 17, Juche 35 (1946), the Democratic Youth League of North Korea was founded under his wise guidance so that the young people could push ahead with building a new society, closely rallied around the banner of democracy.

In high appreciation of their achievements, the President saw to it that edifices built by them were called after "Chongnyon" (youth) in Korean words.

Leader Kim Jong Il authored such celebrated works as "The Present Times and the Tasks Facing Young People" and "Let Us Exalt the Brilliance of Comrade Kim Il Sung's Idea on the Youth Movement and the Achievements Made under His Leadership" to show the road ahead of the youth movement at every stage and in every period of the social development.

He took measures to rename the youth league Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League and institute the Youth Day and personally conferred the flag of the League on the youths. He also put forward a slogan "Love Youth!", showing all sorts of loving care for the young people.

The dear respected Kim Jong Un is now carrying forward the idea of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il on giving importance to the youth.

In January last year, he sent to the youth his autographic letters reading "The Building of a Thriving Nation Will Be Accelerated by the Vigorous Drive of the Youth. Always Advance Straight Forward Following the Party!"

Today the Korean youths successfully play the role of vanguard and shock brigade in the drive for building a thriving nation under the guidance of Kim Jong Un, reliably inheriting the tradition and mental mainstay established by the preceding generations.